Analysts, though, said that while the release is expected to ease tensions in bilateral disputes, a rocky path still lies ahead for a full diplomatic recovery. Trump repeatedly thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his help in the case. They had a lot of difficult situations going on and I do want to thank President Erdogan for making this possible," Trump said. US administration officials have said the release of Brunson would be a significant step toward a reconciliation betweenAnkara and Washington. Although the Brunson case is at an end, analysts said there are still several sore points between the NATO partners, including their differences regarding the Syrian war and the US sanctions.